Integrated visual notification system in an accessory device

ABSTRACT

The described embodiments relate generally to an accessory device for a tablet device. The accessory device takes the form of a flexible screen protector that can be disposed over a display portion of the tablet device. Because the flexible screen protector covers the display of the tablet there is no visual way for the tablet to provide notifications to the user while the screen protector overlays it. By providing a data and power connection between the tablet and the accessory device, the processor of the tablet device can command illumination elements disposed in the accessory device to be illuminated in any of a number of illumination states. Each of the illumination states can be associated with an operating state of the tablet device thereby allowing the tablet device to visually communicate operating state information while the display is covered.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.13/708,833, filed Dec. 7, 2012, entitled “INTEGRATED VISUAL NOTIFICATIONSYSTEM IN AN ACCESSORY DEVICE”, the content of which is incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

FIELD

The described embodiments relate generally to accessory devices forportable electronic devices. In particular methods for displaying statusinformation of a portable device through an accessory is disclosed.

BACKGROUND

Recent advances in portable computing include the introduction of handheld electronic devices and computing platforms known generically astablet devices. These devices can be used for any number of tasksincluding word processing, social media networking, video conferencing,and gaming. These tablet devices also generally include a large screenthat can be susceptible to damage. Consequently many users choose tocover the display of tablet devices with some form of screen protector.Because the screen protector tends to mask information displayed on thescreen it becomes difficult to present visual alerts or updates to auser on the status of any number of tasks or events without removing thescreen protector. A user must generally wait until the protective coveris remove to receive any updates on events that have transpired sincethe device was last used.

Therefore, what is desired is a way to alert a user of an event orchange in status associated with the tablet device while the screenprotector is covering the tablet screen.

SUMMARY

This paper describes various embodiments that relate to an apparatus andmethod for providing a visual indication of an operating state of atablet device to a user.

In a first embodiment an accessory device is disclosed. The accessorydevice is configured to be detachably coupled to a host device having adisplay. The accessory device includes at least the following: (1) aflexible flap having a size and shape in accordance with the display ofthe host device, the flexible flap having both a first and secondsurface; (2) a number of illumination elements disposed across the flapin a first pattern; and (3) a connector configured to receive electricalpower from an electrical distribution system of the host device and acontrol signal from a processor of the host device. The received controlsignal directs selected ones of the illumination elements to coordinatewith each other to provide an illumination state.

In another embodiment a method is disclosed. The method provides avisual notification to a user of a tablet device while a display of thetablet device is covered by an accessory device. The method includes atleast the following steps: (1) receiving a control signal at theaccessory device from a processor disposed within the tablet devicethrough a communication channel between the tablet device and theaccessory device, the accessory device having a flexible flap with asize and shape in accordance with the display of the tablet device; and(2) providing the visual notification corresponding to an operatingstate of the tablet device by directing selected ones of a number ofillumination elements disposed across the flexible flap to coordinatewith each other to provide an illumination state in accordance with thereceived control signal.

In yet another embodiment an accessory device is disclosed. Theaccessory device includes at least the following: (1) a flexible flaphaving both a first and second surface; (2) a number of illuminationelements disposed across the flap in a first pattern; and (3) aconnector configured to receive electrical power and a control signal.The received control signal directs selected ones of the illuminationelements to coordinate with each other to provide an illumination state.

Other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent fromthe following detailed description taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, theprinciples of the described embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The embodiments will be readily understood by the following detaileddescription in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein likereference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which:

FIG. 1A shows a perspective view of a tablet device with a wiredconnector implemented between the tablet device and an accessory device;

FIG. 1B shows perspective views of a tablet device with a flexibleattached accessory device;

FIG. 2A shows a top perspective view of a tablet accessory device havinga number of electroluminescent panels arranged across it;

FIG. 2B shows a perspective view of a tablet in an operational statehaving an accessory device with illumination elements augmenting aparticular application;

FIG. 3A shows a top perspective view of a tablet accessory device havingan array of light emitting diodes arranged across it;

FIG. 3B shows an alternate embodiment of the tablet accessory devicedepicted in FIG. 3A;

FIG. 4 shows a top perspective view of a tablet accessory device havingtranslucent portions;

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of an accessory device having acombination of different types of lighting elements;

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a narrower accessory device includingonly three segments; and

FIG. 7 shows a block diagram describing a process for alerting a userthrough an accessory device of an operating state of a host device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Representative applications of methods and apparatus according to thepresent application are described in this section. These examples arebeing provided solely to add context and aid in the understanding of thedescribed embodiments. It will thus be apparent to one skilled in theart that the described embodiments may be practiced without some or allof these specific details. In other instances, well known process stepshave not been described in detail in order to avoid unnecessarilyobscuring the described embodiments. Other applications are possible,such that the following examples should not be taken as limiting.

In the following detailed description, references are made to theaccompanying drawings, which form a part of the description and in whichare shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in accordancewith the described embodiments. Although these embodiments are describedin sufficient detail to enable one skilled in the art to practice thedescribed embodiments, it is understood that these examples are notlimiting; such that other embodiments may be used, and changes may bemade without departing from the spirit and scope of the describedembodiments.

Accessories for tablet devices have become quite common. Today typicaltablet accessories are passive in nature, the majority of which simplyfunction to protect the screen, or perhaps support the tablet in somespecific orientation. Although some devices such as Bluetooth headsetsand keyboards do have limited interactive capability the majority ofaccessories are limited to more basic, generally passive tasks. Theseaccessories can be improved by including at least some of the followingfeatures: (1) a power source; and (2) a communications protocol. Anactive communication protocol between an accessory and a tablet devicecan be accomplished either wirelessly or through a wired dataconnection. For example, a wireless data connection utilizing the 5 GHz802.11n protocol can provide sufficient data transmission bandwidth totransmit a high quality video stream along the lines of NTSC 1080p 30fps video. The accessory can alternatively or additionally beelectrically connected to the tablet device using any number ofestablished standards such as DisplayPort™, mini DisplayPort™, DVI, andThunderbolt™. A custom wireless or wired protocol is also certainlypossible.

In one specific embodiment an accessory device taking the form of aflexible flap can be configured with a number of illumination elements.The flexible flap is operable to inform a user of a tablet device ofchanges in operating states when the display of the tablet device iscovered. The flexible flap itself can cover the display acting as aprotective layer when the tablet device is not in active use by a user.The illumination elements can be any low power lighting elements thinenough to fit within the flexible flap, such as for example lightemitting diodes or electroluminescent panels. A processor located withinthe tablet device can be configured to control the illuminationelements. The processor of the tablet device can be in communicationwith the flexible flap by way of a connector element that electricallycouples the two devices. That same connector element can be used totransfer power from the tablet device to the flexible flap. The tabletdevice only needs to provide power to the flexible flap when theprocessor through a control signal commands illumination of at least oneof the illumination elements. The illumination of select ones of theillumination elements constitutes an illumination state of the coveralerting the user to any of a number of pre-defined operating states ofthe tablet device. In some cases the illumination states can be humanreadable. For example, the illumination elements can form recognizablewords or symbols. In other cases a series of lights can be understood bya user to signify a specific operating state.

In another embodiment an accessory device taking the form of a flexibleflap can be configured with translucent portions allowing light providedby a display of a host device to shine through the flexible flap. In onespecific embodiment the host device can be a tablet device having thedisplay take up a substantial portion of one surface of the tabletdevice. Since the display of the tablet device performs all of theilluminating in this particular embodiment a data and powerconnection/link need not be configured between the accessory device andthe host device. Translucent portions of the flexible flap can take ondifferent shapes and be disposed in different portions of the flexibleflap, such that illumination of each different portion can signify adifferent meaning. Discrete portions of the display can be illuminatedwith different shapes and colors corresponding to the translucentportions of the flexible flap. In some cases the discrete displayedportions can include words. Since the display of the tablet device cangenerally produce any of a wide number of colors and symbols a singletransparent portion of the accessory device allows a user to viewdetailed information from the display of the tablet device representingany of a number of different operating states. Each different colorand/or shape/symbol can correspond to different operating states of thetablet device. It should be noted that the opacity of the translucentportions can vary widely in accordance with the lighting effect desiredby a designer of the accessory device.

Various embodiments of an accessory device suitable for use with a hostdevice are discussed below with reference to FIGS. 1A-7. However, thoseskilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed descriptiongiven herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposesas the full extent of the embodiments goes beyond these limiteddescriptions.

In one embodiment a customized connector that passes both data and powercan allow for a simple connection between two devices. For example aconnector similar to the MagSafe® connector can be integrated with anauxiliary connector which passes data to an accessory device. FIG. 1Ashows arrangement 100 in accordance with an embodiment showing connector102 that can be used to connect tablet device 104 and accessory device106. Connector 102 can be configured as shown in close up view 108 witha number of separate channels, allowing the power and data transferlines to traverse separate channels. It should be noted that manydifferent types of connectors can be used to put the two devices incommunication and the depicted connector should not be construed aslimiting. A physical connector 102 would eliminate the need for awireless data transmitter in the cover and would simplify electrical anddata connections between the two devices. A wired data connection alsoremoves security concerns associated with wireless communicationprotocols. However, it should be noted that in some embodiments there isno connector 102. In other embodiments a connection can be establishedby way of a power and/or data cable in lieu of the magnetic couplingdepicted. Data transfer between accessory device 106 and tablet device104 can also be accomplished by a wireless communication protocol. Insome embodiments described later in this application no data or powerconnection needs to be made at all. Now that the electrical and dataconnection solutions have been discussed the following representativeembodiments will include power and data connections between theaccessory device and tablet as required.

Magnetic attraction areas 110 can be used to magnetically attachaccessory device 106 and tablet device 104. In a specific embodiment,magnetic attachment areas 110 can magnetically attach to magneticelements (not shown) within hinge 112. Hinge 112 can be pivotallyconnected to accessory 106. In this way, accessory 106 can be configuredin either an open or closed configuration with respect to tablet device104. The magnetic attraction between magnetic attachment areas 110 andthe magnetic elements in hinge 112 can be such that electronic device104 and accessory device 106 attach to each other in a preferredalignment. For example, the preferred alignment can assure thatconnector 102 aligns and mates with a corresponding receptor (not shown)on hinge 112. In this way, the user of tablet device 104 can simplyplace accessory 106 and tablet device 104 within proximity distanced_(mag) to each other such that the magnetic attraction between magneticattachment area 110 and the magnetic elements in hinge 112 cause tabletdevice 104 and accessory device 106 to attach to each other with a highdegree of confidence such that a proper mechanical and electricalconnection can be made. In addition to transmitting power andinformation from the tablet device to the accessory device, in someembodiments the accessory device can be configured to transfer data fromthe accessory device to the tablet device. In some embodimentsinformation transmitted to the tablet device can include informationabout what features that particular accessory device includes, allowingthe tablet to know what types of commands can be received and how thosecommands will be interpreted. This information can for example allowapplications to provide additional functionality corresponding to thefeatures available in the attached accessory device. In otherembodiments data transmission can be only from the tablet device to theaccessory device in which case a user can enter accessory identificationinformation through a graphical user interface provided by the tabletdevice. In this way the tablet device can be configured to haveuni-directional communication with the accessory device, providing acontrol signal to the accessory device that in some embodiments dictateswhich features of the accessory device should be actuated at a giventime. FIG. 1B shows a perspective view of tablet device 104 with anattached accessory device 106. In the described embodiment, accessorydevice 106 can be used to both protect as well as provide functionalsupport features for tablet device 104. Accessory device 106 can bendand flex as depicted allowing it to assume a convenient shape for a userof tablet device 104 to which it is attached.

FIG. 2A shows a top perspective view of tablet accessory device 200having a number of electroluminescent (EL) panels arranged across it. Insome embodiments the EL panels can be built from for example activematrix electroluminescence (AMEL) technology allowing for low powerusage, and relatively lightweight. Alternatively, thin filmelectroluminescent (TFEL) display panels can also be used. A tabletdevice can be configured to supply both power and control signals to theaccessory device as described in conjunction with FIG. 1 for controllingand powering the EL panels of the accessory device. In one embodimentthe tablet device can direct the tablet to illuminate EL panel 202 ofaccessory device 200. In some embodiments EL panel 202 can be configuredto display any of a number of different colors. The control signalpassed from the tablet device to the accessory device directingillumination of EL panel 202 can also include a call for a particularcolor that the EL panel should assume. In some embodiments illuminationof a particular number or configuration of EL panels can be used toalert a user of the tablet device of the status of a certain event orapplication. For example, EL panels 202-214 can be configured to eachlight up red when the processor of the tablet device detects an eventwith a high enough priority. In some embodiments EL panels 202-214 canbe disposed on the surface of accessory device 200 while in otherembodiments EL panels 202-214 can be disposed within accessory device200. In such a case accessory device 200 can have a translucent portionoverlaying the EL panels or in other embodiments the EL panels can shinethrough a thin layer of fabric or plastic, giving the accessory devicemore of a soft glowing look. In some embodiments a brief animation canbe configured across EL panels 202-214. For example, EL panel 202 can beilluminated first followed by EL panel 206 then followed sequentially byEL panels 210 and 214. In some cases the EL panels can be configured toturn on and off. While a few specific examples have been given, manyother combinations and permutations of lighting of the illustrated ELpanels are certainly possible and within the scope of the describedembodiments.

EL panels 202-214 are depicted as being arranged across a segment 216 ofaccessory device 200, with each EL panel sharing a common rectangularshape. However, it should be noted that EL panels 202-214 can be spreadacross any of segments 216-222 and take on any number of varying shapesand sizes. For example, in some embodiments additional undepicted ELpanels can be associated with accessory device 200 which can take theshape of letters that more specifically alert a user to what kind ofalert or change in status has occurred or is occurring. In otherembodiments the location of an illuminated EL panel can correspond tothe type of application generating the alert. For example, anilluminated EL panel arranged on segment 218 can signify receipt of anemail or text message, while an illuminated EL panel arranged on segment220 can represent status changes in a turn-based video game application.In other embodiments the location of illuminated EL panels cancorrespond to priority of the status change or alert. For example, anilluminated EL panel disposed on segment 222 can have much lowerpriority than an illuminated panel disposed on segment 218. It should benoted that in some embodiments an associated tablet device can beconfigured with a sensor, for example a Hall Effect sensor to determinewhen accessory device 200 is covering the display of the tablet device.In some cases the tablet device can send the accessory device a signalby way of a control signal to disable all accessory device lighting whenthe tablet device no longer detects the presence of the accessory deviceacross the display of the tablet device. For example, the accessorydevice can have a magnet embedded within it that can be sensed by theHall Effect sensor of the tablet device only when the accessory devicecovers the tablet device. In this way the lighting can be disabled afteruncovering the display of the tablet. It should also be noted that insome cases as will be discussed below, lighting can still be desirablewhile actively operating the tablet device.

FIG. 2B shows accessory device 200 configured to support tablet device250 in a comfortable typing or viewing position. In this embodimentsegment 222 has EL panels 224-232 arranged across it. In the depictedembodiment EL panels 224-232 can be visible from both an inner surfaceof accessory device 200 and an outer surface of accessory device 200.This can be accomplished by embedding EL panels 224-232 within accessorydevice 200, thereby allowing light to shine out from both the inner andouter surfaces. Opacity of the overlaying accessory device material canbe varied in accordance with what type of look is desired. In someembodiments overlying material of the accessory device can be completelytransparent while in other embodiments the overlying material can besubstantially opaque allowing only a faint glow to shine through eitherof the surfaces of accessory device 200. When EL panels 224-232 arevisible as depicted in FIG. 2B EL panels 224-232 can be used inconjunction with an application configured to utilize the panels. In oneembodiment EL panels 224-232 can be configured as a countdown timer. Allof EL panels 224-232 can be configured to be illuminated at the start ofthe timer and then sequentially turned off as the countdown timerapproaches zero. Any number of possible illumination elementcombinations is possible and can be implemented by either first or eventhird party application developers to augment performance or an overallexperience associated with the application running on the tablet device.

FIG. 3A shows a top perspective view of tablet accessory device 300having a number of light emitting diodes (LED) arranged across it.Tablet accessory device 300 can have a number of segments 302-308.Segments 302-308 can be rigid and can bend and flex with respect to oneanother across flexible portions 310-314 of accessory device 300. Eachof segments 302 can have a number of LEDs 316 arranged across it. Asdepicted the LEDs are arranged in a regular array configuration, but itshould be noted that any geometric configuration of the LEDs ispossible. Each LED 316 can be either a single color LED or can beconfigured as an RGB LED, the RGB LEDs allowing almost any color to bedisplayed by each of the LEDs. By illuminating select LEDs 316 messagescan be displayed across an outer surface of accessory device 300, themessages in some embodiments telling a user the exact nature of thealert or status update. As a density of LEDs 316 increases so does theability of accessory device 300 to provide higher resolution informationto a user of the tablet device while the tablet device display iscovered. An exterior button disposed on either a surface of the tabletdevice or on the accessory device itself can be used to acknowledge orclear messages displayed by the accessory device, thereby minimizingpower usage of the accessory device. For example, the iPad® designed byApple Inc. of Cupertino, Calif. has a volume button that can in oneembodiment be configured to clear the notification or in someembodiments to scroll through a number of different notificationsdisplayable across tablet accessory device 300. In one specificembodiment actuation of the up portion of the volume button can dismissa notification while actuation of the down portion of the volume buttoncan allow a user to scroll through previously posted notificationsrepresenting specific operating states of the tablet device. Asdiscussed previously with regards to the EL panels, LEDs 316 can bedisposed either on a surface portion of accessory device 300 orlaminated within segments 302-308, thereby providing additionalprotection for the embedded LEDs 316 and in some embodiments partiallyobscuring LEDs 316. In some embodiments LEDs 316 can be substantiallyinvisible until being placed into an illuminated state at which pointlight emanating from LEDs 316 can shine through one or both surfaces ofaccessory device 300. In addition to displaying messages LEDs 316 can beilluminated in a manner that forms human readable symbols, such as forexample an envelope image signifying receipt of an email, or even athundercloud signifying approach of an imminent storm.

FIG. 3B shows a top perspective view of tablet accessory device 350.Tablet accessory device 350 has three segments, segments 352-356.Segment 352 has an alternative arrangement of light emitting diodes(LEDs) 358. LEDs 358 disposed on segment 352 are offset from one anotherproviding an alternative arrangement capable of presenting differentpatterns than would be otherwise possible with a grid pattern of thesame LED 358 density. Segment 354 has a much lower density of LEDs 358than segment 352, allowing presentation of illumination states includingdiagonal stripes. Segment 356 includes yet another layout of LEDs 358where the LEDs are arranged in cross patterns. Such a configurationallows the display or a cross or rectangle corners or even a series ofdiagonal stripes that can be configured to complement diagonal stripesdisplayed on segment 354 in some illumination states. It should be notedthat while accessory devices having 3 and 4 segments have beenillustrated, other numbers of segments are certainly possible, allowingin one embodiment a user a more flexible cover with greater segments orin another embodiment a less flexible cover with fewer segments. Eithercan be desirable depending on a contemplated use of the accessorydevice.

FIG. 4 shows a top perspective view of tablet accessory device 400having a segment 402 with at least one region of transparency 404.Region 404 of accessory device 400 can be at least partiallytransparent, allowing an underlying display associated with the tabletdevice to shine messages or alerts through accessory device 400. In thisway accessory device 400 itself can be completely passive removing anyneed for accessory device 400 to be provided with power or electricalcommands. Transparency region 404 can be configured to have widelyvarying opacity. In the depicted embodiment when the underlying displayof the tablet device lights up region 406 of transparency region 404,the emitted light can pass through region 406 of transparency region404. It will be appreciate than one or more of regions 408, 410, 412,414, 416, and 418 may be illuminated via region the tablet device in amanner similar to that of region 406. When that overlying portion onlyallows light to penetrate the accessory device in a specific locationsthe emitted light can be in the form of an illuminated picture or words.Coloring of the emitted light can be influenced by materials embeddedwithin the accessory device and/or an original hue of the light emittedfrom the tablet's display. In other embodiments where transparencyregion 404 is completely or least substantially transparent, region 406of the display of the tablet device can simply show text or imagesclearly explaining the nature of the notification. It should be notedthat in configurations where accessory device 400 is not incommunication with an associated tablet device, the tablet device can beconfigured to receive a user input detailing features of the accessorydevice. In one embodiment this can be as simple as entering a serialnumber associated with the accessory device into the tablet devicethereby alerting the tablet device to any and all features associatedwith a specific model of accessory device. For example, a line ofaccessory devices with a wide variety of translucent region locationscan be developed. By entering the serial number the tablet device can beaware of the location, shape, opacity, and orientation of alltransparent regions arranged on the accessory device. It should be notedthat the embodiments of FIG. 4 can be combined with the embodiments ofFIGS. 2 and/or 3 to provide a cover providing both translucent regionswith lighting provided by the cover and active illumination elementsmade up of LEDs and/or EL panels as will be discussed in relation toFIG. 5.

FIG. 5 shows accessory device 500 having a combination of differenttypes of lighting elements. In this particular embodiment instead of ELpanel blocks as were depicted in FIGS. 2A and 2B specific phrases can bespelled out. For example lighting element 502 can be illuminated when anemail is received. Lighting element 504 can be illuminated when anapplication related event has been detected and lighting element 506 canbe illuminated when a calendar notification is received. The letters canbe formed by shaping the EL panels to conform with a geometric patternforming the letters or in some embodiments a masking pattern can beplaced over larger EL panels to form corresponding letters. While only 3words formed from EL panels are depicted it should be noted that anynumber of words can be disposed on the accessory device to provide awide variety of detailed information to a user. Also depicted is segment508 with a transparent window 510. Transparent window 510 can take onmany different embodiments. For example, transparent window 510 can havethe same thickness as the rest of accessory segment 508 allowing a userto clearly see through that specific portion of the accessory devicewhile still providing a consistent surface of accessory device 500. Inthis depiction calendar icon 512 is displayed along an upper portion oftransparent window 510 signifying that the displayed information relatesto the calendar application. In other embodiments different icons suchas an email icon or phone icon can be displayed signifying that thedisplayed information relates directly to an application associated withthat particular icon. Display items 514 can include information aboutspecific alerts. For example, each of display items 514 can includeinformation about a calendar event. In still other embodiments a numberof different icons 512 can be displayed concurrently with a numericindicator associated with each displayed icon informing a user of anumber of events or notifications that are pending for each displayedicon. In other embodiments the nature of transparent window 510 can bedifferent. In one particular embodiment transparent window 510 can be athin protective sheet. In this embodiment a user can interact with touchsensors disposed on an underlying tablet display screen, therebyallowing a certain number of inputs to be received by the tablet throughthe accessory device.

Also pictured proximate transparent window 510 are illumination elements516. In one embodiment illumination elements 516 can be RGB LEDsallowing multiple colors to be displayed by each of illuminationelements 516. In the depicted embodiment illumination elements 516 canbe useful for drawing a user's attention to transparent window 510 wheninformation is being displayed through it. In this way a user is morelikely to be alerted to the displayed notification. The color ofilluminated illumination elements 516 can also be indicative of anurgency of the displayed message. In this way a user can ignorenotifications of lower priority when that user is busy working on ahigher priority task. Segment 518 has yet another means of visuallyinforming a user of an event or change in operating state of anassociated tablet device. In the depicted embodiment a number ofillumination element groups 520 are disposed on segment 518. Each ofillumination element groups 520 are configured to display a character.In the depicted embodiment the word “ALERT” is spelled out. It should benoted that additional illumination element groups 520 can be added toprovide room for additional characters. Furthermore, a characteranimation can be displayed where a message is displayed by a scrollinganimation revealing one character or in some embodiments one word at atime. In this way a large volume of information can be communicated to auser without the need to remove accessory device 500 from the associatedtablet device.

FIG. 6 shows a narrower accessory device 600 including three segments602-606. Similarly to FIG. 5 this embodiment includes EL panels, atransparent window, and LEDs for providing visual lighting cues to auser of the accessory device. Although this has only three panels asopposed to the four shown in FIG. 5 it should evident that a number ofillumination means are still possible. A narrow accessory device asshown can be configured to match an electronic device with a narrowerdisplay screen. In this depiction accessory device 600 has transparentwindow 608 within segment 606. Such an embodiment is possible when anunderlying display of an electronic device extends substantially towardsan edge portion of the electronic device thereby allowing transparentwindow 608 to have a portion of display screen visible under allportions of it. It should be noted that in some embodiments transparentwindow can instead by partially opaque, only allowing a limited amountof light to penetrate the window. In this type of embodiment the displayof the electronic device can be used to light up shapes or patternsinstead of providing detailed information as the partially opaque natureof the display might not allow a user to easily read underlying text.Other lighting elements displayed in FIG. 6 operate much the same asdescribed in conjunction with FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 shows a block diagram describing a process 700 for alerting auser of changes in an operating state of a host device coupled to anaccessory device. In step 702 a control signal is received from the hostdevice. The control signal can be received from any of a number ofdifferent types of host devices including for example a tablet device.In one embodiment the control signal can be transmitted via a physicalconnection between the accessory device and the host device, while inanother embodiment the control signal can be delivered wirelessly over awireless protocol such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. At step 704 power isreceived by the accessory device. Power can be received through aphysical connector electrically coupling the accessory device to thehost device. In other embodiments power can be inductively transferredfrom the host device to the accessory device by way of inductive coilsarranged in both the accessory device and the host device, where theinductive coils are aligned when the accessory device covers a displayof the host device. At step 706 the received power and control signalare used to illuminate a select number of illumination elements of theaccessory device. The elements are illuminated in accordance with thecontrol signal which can direct coordination of any number of theillumination elements to produce an illumination state. The illuminationstate produced is linked directly to an operating state of the hostdevice.

It should be noted that the term operating state is broadly defined andcan include states such as low battery charge level, low/noconnectivity, high priority message receipt (such as receipt of amessage from a predefined list of individuals), application waiting onuser input, or any number of other states a user should be aware of. Inmany embodiments illumination states can be user configurable. In oneembodiment user configuration of illumination states can be performed onthe host device through a graphical user interface disposed on thedisplay of the host device. In some embodiments the accessory can havean associated application for customization of all illumination states,while in other embodiments user customization of illumination states canbe an option available only when the accessory device is attached to thehost device. For example, in a low power operating state allillumination states can be configured to operate at a reduced brightnessto help conserve power. Customization of this operating state caninclude changing the definition of what percentage of a battery chargeconstitutes a low power state. A user can further customize anillumination state by defining exactly how much brightness is reduced inany given low power state. In some embodiments the cover illuminationsystem can be configured to be completely disabled when the batteryfalls below a pre-defined threshold for power conservation purposes.

The various aspects, embodiments, implementations or features of thedescribed embodiments can be used separately or in any combination.Various aspects of the described embodiments can be implemented bysoftware, hardware or a combination of hardware and software. Thedescribed embodiments can also be embodied as computer readable code ona computer readable medium for controlling manufacturing operations oras computer readable code on a computer readable medium for controllinga manufacturing line. The computer readable medium is any data storagedevice that can store data, which can thereafter be read by a computersystem. Examples of the computer readable medium include read-onlymemory, random-access memory, CD-ROMs, HDDs, DVDs, magnetic tape, andoptical data storage devices. The computer readable medium can also bedistributed over network-coupled computer systems so that the computerreadable code is stored and executed in a distributed fashion.

The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specificnomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the describedembodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art thatthe specific details are not required in order to practice the describedembodiments. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of specific embodimentsare presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are notintended to be exhaustive or to limit the described embodiments to theprecise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill inthe art that many modifications and variations are possible in view ofthe above teachings.

What is claimed is:
 1. An accessory device suitable for use with anelectronic device having i) a display panel configured to present visualcontent and ii) a touch sensor disposed below the display panel, theaccessory device comprising: a foldable flap having a size and a shapethat covers the display panel in a closed configuration, the foldableflap having a first portion and a second portion capable of bending withrespect to the first portion; and a transparent region disposed in andhaving a different thickness than the foldable flap, the transparentregion defining a viewable region of the display panel in the closedconfiguration that allows at least some of the visual content presentedat the viewable region of the display panel to be visible through thetransparent region.
 2. The accessory device of claim 1, wherein thesecond thickness of the transparent region allows the touch sensor toreceive a touch sensitive input through the transparent region when thefoldable flap is in the closed configuration.
 3. The accessory device ofclaim 1, wherein the transparent region comprises an opaque region. 4.The accessory device of claim 1, wherein the first thickness is greaterthan the second thickness.
 5. The accessory device of claim 1, whereinthe transparent region extends along a majority of the first portion. 6.The accessory device of claim 1, wherein the viewable region allows aplurality of display items of the visual content to be viewable in theclosed configuration, the plurality of display items comprising at leastone of a calendar icon, a number, an email icon, or a phone icon.
 7. Anaccessory device removably and electrically coupled with an electronicdevice having a display panel and a power source, the accessory devicecomprising: a flap having a size and a shape that covers the displaypanel defining a closed configuration, the flap having a first portionand a second portion capable of bending with respect to the firstportion; and multiple lighting elements arranged about the flap, themultiple lighting elements drawing an electrical current from the powersource, wherein: in a first operating state, the multiple lightingelements illuminate to define a first brightness, and in a secondoperating state, the multiple lighting elements illuminate to define asecond brightness different from the first brightness; wherein the firstportion comprises an opening, and wherein in the closed configurationthe display panel presents information visible through the first portionat the opening.
 8. The accessory device of claim 7, wherein the secondoperating state includes a low battery charge level of the power sourceand the second brightness is less than the first brightness.
 9. Theaccessory device of claim 8, wherein when the power source falls to acharge level below the low battery charge level the multiple lightingelements are disabled.
 10. The accessory device of claim 7, wherein thesecond operating state includes an indication of a message received bythe electronic device.
 11. The accessory device of claim 7, wherein themultiple lighting elements are embedded in the flap.
 12. The accessorydevice of claim 11, wherein the multiple lighting elements are visibleonly when the multiple lighting elements are illuminated.
 13. Theaccessory device of claim 7, wherein only a portion of the multiplelighting elements are illuminated, and wherein the portion of themultiple lighting elements that are illuminated combine to display atleast a letter and/or a symbol.
 14. A system, comprising: an electronicdevice comprising a display panel configured to present visual contentand a power source; and a foldable accessory device having a size and ashape capable of covering the display panel in a closed configuration,the foldable accessory device comprising a first portion and a secondportion capable of bending with respect to the first portion, thefoldable accessory device further comprising multiple light elementscapable of a varying illumination state based upon an electrical chargelevel of the power source, wherein the foldable accessory device furthercomprises a transparent region that defines a viewable region of thedisplay panel is in the closed configuration allowing a display item ofthe display panel to be visible through the viewable region.
 15. Thesystem of claim 14, wherein the electronic device further comprises aprocessor that generates a control signal to define an illuminationstate of the multiple light elements.
 16. The system of claim 15,wherein the multiple light elements comprise discrete lighting elementsdisposed about the foldable accessory device, wherein the control signalis associated with a portion of the discrete lighting elements toilluminate to define at least a letter and/or a symbol.
 17. The systemof claim 16, wherein the discrete lighting elements include a firstbrightness based upon a first electrical charge level of the powersource, and wherein the discrete lighting elements include a secondbrightness less than the first brightness, the second brightness basedupon a second electrical charge level of the power source less than thefirst electrical charge level.
 18. The system of claim 17, wherein thediscrete lighting elements are disposed on the first portion, andwherein the second portion comprises second discrete lighting elementsthat illuminate to indicate a notification is received by the electronicdevice.
 19. The system of claim 14, wherein in the closed configurationthe display panel presents the display item only at a location viewablevia the transparent region.
 20. The accessory device of claim 7, whereinthe first portion further comprises an illumination element activated inaccordance with the information presented on the display panel that isvisible through the opening.